Back to Q&A
Let me cut to the chase. You just saw a chef’s kiss outfit on someone’s Instagram Story, or maybe some juicy gossip on your ex and wanna share it with your friends? So naturally now you’re hovering over that screenshot button. But suddenly, dread 😰… Will they know?!
You start sweating, googling, maybe even thinking… Probably how you ended up here (hi, welcome 👋).
So, let’s answer this once and for all – without the tech jargon and in plain, 2025-ready English.
The short answer:
No, Instagram does not notify someone if you screenshot their story.
You are safe, my dear sneaky friend. Screenshot that story away.
The long(ish) answer:
Instagram used to experiment with this feature way back in 2018. For a short time, they did notify users when someone took a screenshot of their Instagram Story. But clearly, it didn’t go over well because the feature quietly disappeared like your gym motivation in February.
As of now, in 2025, there is no notification sent when you screenshot a Story. You can save that meme, outfit inspo, or mild stalking moment in peace.
BUT (yes, there’s a but)…
When does Instagram actually send screenshot notifications?
Here’s where you’ve gotta be careful:
- Instagram DMs: if someone sends you a disappearing photo or video (a one-time view kind of thing) and you try to screenshot it – bad news. Instagram won’t just notify them – it’ll straight up block you from doing it. In 2025, the platform shows a message like: “You can’t screenshot or record this. It’s only meant to be replayed once.”
- Vanishing media: anything that vanishes after viewing? Don’t even try it. Instagram has locked this feature down to keep things ephemeral for a reason.
So, recap: Instagram story? Screenshot freely. Disappearing DMs? Don’t even bother – Instagram’s got receipts AND a block screen.
But wait, why are people still asking about this in 2025? It’s a well known fact already, no?
Simple: because Instagram likes to keep us all on our toes. They are like: “Why live a boring life?” Also, the internet is full of myths and disinformation. And TikTok loves to spread “Instagram hacks” that haven’t been real since 2016.
Also, I notice that a lot of folks on Reddit and Quora are still asking about this every month, which shows how confusing this topic still is. (And honestly?I get you. Better safe than being blocked.)
Can third-party apps notify someone about a screenshot?
Nope. No app can break Instagram’s privacy features unless you’re living in a dystopian Black Mirror episode. So, unless you downloaded some sketchy spyware from the deep web (please just don’t), there’s no external app that tells someone you screenshotted their story.
Is it illegal to screenshot a story?
Look, I’m not a lawyer – I just write like one when coffee hits. But here’s the deal:
No, it’s not illegal to screenshot someone’s Instagram Story.
Stories are posted publicly (or to Close Friends), and while it might be creepy, it’s not criminal. You’re viewing content that someone willingly shared on a social media platform. Screenshotting it for your own viewing doesn’t break any laws – unless you go full villain and try to use it for something shady, like impersonation or harassment. That’s where legal lines get crossed.
So legally? You’re fine.
Morally? Maybe ask yourself why you’re screenshotting your ex’s brunch for the fifth time this week.
Bonus tip: stay productive (and a little less spy) on Instagram
Instead of hoarding screenshots, save the good stuff the smart way:
- Use the Save feature on Instagram (that lil’ bookmark icon). You can save any post or reel and use it later. I also prefer to organise them a bit and create some folders for my saved Instagram posts, like: Recipes, Design tips, Travel destination…
- Or, if you’re managing multiple brands/accounts, consider using Kontentino for easy & productive social media management. Plan, approve, and even repurpose content legally and smartly. Screenshot hoarding? We don’t know her.
